TWENTY FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY
November 17, 2024
THE FATHER IS MY HOPE; THE SON IS MY REFUGE;
THE HOLY SPIRIT IS MY PROTECTION.
ALL HOLY TRINITY, GLORY TO THEE!
LIVE AUDIO STREAMING during today’s service is available on the Order of Service page. Recorded audio will be added following worship.
GETTING READY FOR SUNDAY: PREVIEW OF THE READINGS
In today’s Gospel lesson Jesus recites a poem in which describes in graphic images what sounds like the end of the world. But what is being described here is not so much the end of the present world, but the end of the present world order. This is, predictably, a situation of terrible confusion and chaos, of “darkness between worlds” (René Guénon). Jesus would not have his disciples be alarmed or upset, and fall victim to the claims of false Messiahs. For the darkness and confusion serves to manifest Christ’ssaving and sovereign rule and authority. The Epistle reading from 1 John sets the spiritual focus and agenda for Christians in dark times: hold fast in faith to the victory of Christ over death and the devil, purify your hearts, and continue in works of love.
THE LESSON : 1 John 3:1-10
See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now; it does not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. And every one who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. Every one who commits sin is guilty of lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. You know that he appeared to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. No one who abides in him sins; no one who sins has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. He who does right is righteous, as he is righteous. He who commits sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. No one born of God commits sin; for God’s nature abides in him, and he cannot sin because he is born of God. By this it may be seen who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not do right is not of God, nor he who does not love his brother.
THE GOSPEL : Matthew 24:23-31
Then if anyone says to you, “Look! Here is the Messiah!” or “There he is!”—do not believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and produce great signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. Take note, I have told you beforehand. So, if they say to you, “Look! He is in the wilderness”, do not go out. If they say, “Look! He is in the inner rooms”, do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather. ‘Immediately after the suffering of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of heaven will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see “the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven” with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
PARISH LIFE NOTES
EVENSONG AND CONFIRMATION SERVICE. Bishop Helen will be administer the apostolic laying on of hands with prayer to Carter today at 3.30 p.m. Everybody is invited and encouraged to attend. Reception to follow in the narthex and lounge.
RECTOR’S BOOK CLUB “Everywhere Present: Christianity in a One Story Universe”meets today in the lounge at 12.15, and the mid-week meeting will take place on Wednesday at 10.30.
THE SENIORS’ COMMUNITY KITCHEN meets on Monday, November 18 at 10 a.m. in the Upper Hall.
CALLING AT ST. MARY’S BAKERS. Let’s put all your talent to work for the St. Nicholas Christmas Market Bake Sale on Saturday Dec. 7th, 2024.All types of baking and preserves are welcome! Please make your favorites but if you need suggestions, the baking table can include cakes, cookies, tarts, breads, muffins, pies, squares, jam, jellies and pickles etc, etc. Use your imagination!! Have fun! Special Baking like nut free, gluten free, lactose free and sugar free (diabetic) are all sought after and well received. If you choose to make this baking, please include an ingredient list, and clearly wrap and mark your baking with its specialty. Please bring your baking to the church on Friday Dec 6th any time after 10am. Thank-you. Please contact Sandy or Sharon and let them know what you are bringing. Happy Baking!
St. Mary’s Harvest Ceilidh
Emily Dubois of Regina Flatland Fiddling Studio and her band of musicians led the family dance following the community chili and hotdog supper at St. Mary’s last Saturday night. Watch this space for news of a Winter Ceilidh and come and join the fun!
BIshop’s Discretionary Fund Pub Night
Beer and wings and music by Megan Kelly. Being held at St. Mary’s, with proceeds going to Diocese of QuAppelle Bishop’s Discretionary Fund. Reserve tickets at the synod office.
WORSHIP THIS WEEK
Morning Prayer: Tuesday to Friday at 8.30 a.m.
Evening Prayer: Wednesday at 5.30 p.m.
Holy Communion: Wednesday at 9.30 a.m.